About the song
“Chandelier” is one of Sia’s most powerful and emotionally charged songs, released as the lead single from her sixth studio album, 1000 Forms of Fear (2014). Known for its raw, vulnerable lyrics, haunting melody, and striking vocal delivery, the song marked a significant turning point in Sia’s career, solidifying her reputation as a masterful songwriter and performer. The track’s compelling narrative about struggling with addiction and the destructive nature of partying, paired with its unique production, helped it to become a global hit and an anthem of personal liberation and inner turmoil.
From the very first notes, “Chandelier” captivates the listener with its striking, dramatic tone. The song opens with a delicate, yet ominous piano melody, before building into a sweeping, intense chorus with Sia’s soaring vocals at the forefront. The contrast between the song’s ethereal verses and the explosive choruses mirrors the tension between the calm facade of life and the stormy, chaotic emotions underneath. The production, which features pulsating beats, layered instrumentation, and a sense of ever-building tension, complements the lyrical content, creating an atmosphere of both beauty and unease.
Lyrically, “Chandelier” is an exploration of the destructive patterns of addiction and self-destruction. Sia herself has been open about the personal struggles that inspired the song, describing how it was written as a reflection on her own past issues with substance abuse. The central metaphor of the “chandelier” represents the feeling of swinging from extreme highs to devastating lows, a reference to the dangerous cycles of intoxication and regret. In the chorus, Sia sings, “I’m gonna swing from the chandelier, from the chandelier,” an image of wild abandonment that simultaneously conveys both the thrill of losing control and the inevitable crash that follows. The metaphor suggests a yearning for freedom, but also an awareness of the destructive consequences that come with it.
The lines “I’m gonna live like tomorrow doesn’t exist / Like it doesn’t exist” further emphasize the song’s themes of escapism and self-destruction. Here, Sia captures the sense of detachment from reality that often accompanies addiction. She portrays a character who is numb to the consequences of their actions, choosing to live in the moment without regard for the future. The rawness of these lyrics is amplified by the emotional intensity of Sia’s voice, which conveys a sense of desperation, pain, and vulnerability.
In the verses, Sia sings about the aftermath of her actions, the “broken glass” and “the mess” she’s made, which reinforces the cyclical nature of addiction. The imagery of “cutting the ties” and “gonna hold on for dear life” suggests that the character is trying to regain control, but is still tethered to the same destructive behaviors. It’s a haunting look at the conflict between wanting to break free from one’s own self-destructive tendencies and the pull of those same tendencies that are hard to escape.
The song’s music video, directed by Sia and Daniel Askill, is as striking and symbolic as the song itself. The video features an ethereal and minimalist set, with a young dancer (Maddie Ziegler) performing a frenetic and contorted dance to convey the internal chaos and emotional intensity of the song’s lyrics. Ziegler’s movements, which are at once graceful and wild, mirror the themes of the song: the struggle between control and chaos, beauty and destruction. The imagery of her dancing with a broken chandelier, as well as her emotive expressions, creates a visual representation of the song’s emotional core. The video’s decision to focus on the dancer, rather than on Sia’s own appearance, reflects the artist’s desire to keep the focus on the emotional and artistic aspects of the song rather than her own celebrity persona.
“Chandelier” was a commercial success, reaching the top 10 in numerous countries and becoming one of Sia’s most recognizable songs. It was particularly successful in the United States, where it peaked at number eight on the Billboard Hot 100, and received widespread critical acclaim for its emotional depth and Sia’s vocal performance. The song was also nominated for several prestigious awards, including Grammy Awards for Record of the Year and Song of the Year, further cementing Sia’s place as one of the most important voices in modern pop music.
One of the key elements of “Chandelier” is its unforgettable chorus, which is both anthemic and cathartic. The soaring, almost operatic quality of Sia’s voice as she sings about swinging from the chandelier became instantly iconic, and the song’s powerful hook, coupled with its dark yet uplifting undertones, resonated with listeners on a deeply emotional level. The song’s success also marked a shift in Sia’s career, as she transitioned from being a primarily behind-the-scenes songwriter to a widely recognized solo artist. Prior to “Chandelier,” Sia had written songs for other major artists like Rihanna, Beyoncé, and Katy Perry, but with this track, she fully stepped into the spotlight, becoming a household name.
“Chandelier” remains one of Sia’s defining songs, a testament to her ability to blend deeply personal, introspective lyrics with universally relatable themes of struggle, liberation, and resilience. Its raw honesty and powerful imagery continue to resonate with audiences, making it an enduring anthem for those who have experienced the chaos of addiction or emotional turmoil. As a work of art, “Chandelier” transcends the typical pop song, offering listeners a poignant and unflinching look at the darker sides of life while still celebrating the power of survival and the possibility of redemption. Sia’s ability to turn personal pain into art, paired with her unique vocal style and visionary music videos, ensures that “Chandelier” will remain a cultural touchstone for years to come.